Donors help 79 area families, brightening holidays for abuse survivors

CVIC — Bonnie Cameron, Grand Forks, holds sample stockings that she and other donors have given to 79 families who are clients of the Community Violence and Intervention Center. The stockings were stuffed with gifts cards and other items that parents use to buy just what their children want this Christmas. Herald photo by Eric Hylden.

By Pamela Knudson

December 23, 2011 at 8:19 PM

The holidays will be brighter for 79 area families who received stockings filled with gift items provided by donors working with the Community Violence and Intervention Center of Grand Forks.

The stockings are stuffed with gift cards, ribbon, wrapping paper and other items so parents can purchase exactly what they want for their children.

"This is the first year we've done the stockings," said Therese Hugg, wellness coordinator at CVIC. "In the past, donors bought gifts for the families, but then clients told us they missed out on buying things for their kids."

A total of 67 individuals, groups or businesses purchased and stuffed the stockings, she said. Donors are given no names, only the ages and gender of recipients.

"We get a pretty good turnout of donors every year," she said. "It's fun to see how they personalize the stockings."

Giving back

Bonnie Cameron, a retired Grand Forks teacher, is one of the donors.

"For many of us, God has been gracious to us, and we should be gracious back," she said. It's all about living the Christmas season, not just one day a year, but practicing your faith and living Christmas every day of the year, she said.

"I've heard that some mothers say, 'I didn't think there was going to be anything for Christmas,'" she said. "If I can help them, that's the least I can do."

Hugg said Cameron has been a faithful CVIC supporter for years. "She's been a donor to all our clients throughout the year. Her services are just invaluable."

At Christmastime, Hugg said, "she puts so much thought and effort into it. She wants to let them know that they are special, and thought about too."

Cameron said she is impressed with the range of services provided by the CVIC, including education, prevention and counseling for children who've seen violence in their homes.

She recalls a little boy, maybe four or five years old, who felt such guilt because when his mother was in physical danger and called for him to dial 911, he couldn't.

"He was just a little boy," she said. "If we can get help for these children, get them healed, we're changing things for others down the road."

"Obviously, we imitate what we've seen," she said. "Through the CVIC, these children can get help before they become abusers."

By Pamela Knudson

Pamela Knudson is a features and arts/entertainment writer for the Grand Forks Herald.

She has worked for the Herald since 2011 and has covered a wide variety of topics, including the latest performances in the region and health topics.

Pamela can be reached at pknudson@gfherald.com or (701) 780-1107.